The HM Coroner for Dorset confirmed last night that the missing body recovered from the plane is Emiliano Sala.

Dorset Police released a statement on their website and identified ‏the body as the missing footballer's.

"The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7th February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala," Dorset Police said.

"The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

"HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.

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The club released the following statement on their official website on Friday, confirming that the club will retire the number nine shirt worn by Sala:

"FC Nantes had the immense sadness to learn this Thursday that the body found was that of Emiliano Sala. This news puts an end to an endless and unsustainable waiting. Emiliano will forever be part of the legends that have written the great story of FC Nantes." it read.

"Arrived on the banks of the Edre in July 2015, Emiliano Sala has won the hearts of supporters in Nantes. Through his work, his anger and limitless kindness, he finished top scorer in the Yellow House for the last three seasons.

"The national and international tributes that were returned to him are up to the person and the player he was. We are losing today a friend, a talented player, an exemplary teammate.

"We do not forget in this drama the pilot and his family and trust the authorities to continue the research."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some huge names in the world of sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport, but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.